Last updated on March 19th, 2021
Last year, the major credit bureaus offered free weekly credit reports through the start of 2021. As the offer’s expiration nears, it’s critical to take advantage before it expires this April. Here is what you need to know.
Free Weekly Credit Reports Offer Ends April 30, 2021
The coronavirus pandemic led to record unemployment, a shrinking U.S. economy, and a health crisis not seen in decades. The COVID-19 outbreak also led to a rise in scams and fraud, targeting those already suffering due to the pandemic.
The three major credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – began offering free credit reports weekly to consumers last spring to combat this new scam threat. The original offer saw the credit bureaus providing free weekly credit reports to all consumers through 2020 and into the first quarter of 2021.
The free weekly credit report offer is set to expire on May 1, 2021. Only little more than a month remains, so it’s never been more important than now for consumers to take advantage of the free weekly credit report offer. Here’s why:
Why Check Your Credit Report?
Regularly checking your credit report is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself from fraud. Your credit report contains a vast amount of personal information relating to you and your credit history. This information includes:
- Identification information: Your name, address, and Social Security Number
- Credit account information: Account opening dates, credit limits, payment history, and balances
- Credit inquiry information: How often you seek new credit
- Other information: Unpaid traffic fines, past due bills from utilities, and more
Because your credit report contains so much sensitive information, keeping an eye on it and ensuring everything is accurate is essential. Inaccurate data on your report may keep you from getting a new credit card, mortgage, or another loan. It may also indicate fraud if you see information you do not recognize or that is incorrect.
If fraudulent activity is uncovered, consumers can freeze their credit report with the major bureaus, contact their lender or credit card issuer, and take steps to recover from the fraudulent activity. However, after the free weekly credit report offer ends, consumers will only have free access to their credit reports once per year.
Fortunately, several services provide comprehensive credit monitoring, including LifeLock, MyFICO, or TransUnion. Still, taking advantage of the free report offer from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion is highly encouraged. To view your free credit report, go to AnualCreditReport.com.
Related Article: Why It’s Important to Check Your Credit Report Now
